Written by Matthew Cannata After Mike Pouncey underwent surgery, news came out that he would be out for at least four to eight weeks. The coaching staff decided to move free agent acquisition Shelley Smith over to the center position from offensive guard. It seemed like the right idea as Smith is athletic, intelligent and versatile. However, the first few days of practice have the Dolphins re-considering the switch. On Wednesday, the Dolphins replaced Smith on the first-team at center after he botched two more snaps. Smith has botched at least one snap every practice so far. Nate Garner, who started two games at center last season, replaced Smith during team drills in the later part of practice.

Yesterday, offensive line coach John Benton said that they would have a better idea of how Smith is doing after the first preseason game but after the latest miscues, it looks like they might be moving on a little earlier than that. The coaches also moved around other pieces, putting rookie Billy Turner at right guard and Dallas Thomas back at the tackle position. Unfortunately, Thomas is still trying to find a spot on the line where he is comfortable. “We’ll see if he looks that much more comfortable [at tackle],” head coach Joe Philbin said. “I doubt that will be the case but it could be. I told the staff I want to see some guys in some different spots.”